2018 Yacoubian Hobbs Dry Areni, Vayots Dzor, Armenia

In the village of Rind, the Areni grape thrives in rich volcanic and limestone soils. Hot summers are tempered by cooler temperatures at these high elevation sites, and water is provided by the melting snow caps atop Mount Ararat.

Our Areni wine expresses the unique characteristics of this ancient variety with the focus and purity that modern winemaking techniques provide.

VINEYARD SOURCE: Rind, Vayots Dzor

VARIETAL COMOPOSITION:

100% Areni: an ancient variety indigenous to Armenia, Areni has adapted perfectly to the high altitude, mountainous region of Vayots Dzor, where the vines thrive on the rocky, mineral-rich, volcanic soils. This late-ripening grape makes fresh, elegant, structured wines with bright red fruit flavors, and a characteristic black pepper spice.

WINE PROFILE: The 2017 Areni captivates with aromas of dark fruits, muddled strawberry and freshly cracked black pepper. The palate gives way to a bright, fresh fruit expression, revealing a firm tannic structure and finishing with a pleasantly refreshing acidity.

ELEVATION: over 1,300 meters (4,000 feet)

WINEMAKING: fermentation and aging in stainless steel